Sukhbir Singh Badal Awaits Akal Takht Verdict on Religious Charges

Sukhbir Singh Badal, leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, appeals to the Akal Takht Jathedar for a decision on his religious misconduct charges. Declared 'tankhaiya' in August, Badal awaits his 'tankhah' while avoiding political involvement and missing election opportunities due to the pending decision.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has urged the Akal Takht jathedar to expedite pronouncing his punishment for religious misconduct, a charge hanging for more than two months. The matter arose after Badal was declared 'tankhaiya' by the jathedar on August 30 for alleged errors under his leadership from 2007 to 2017.

Since being labeled 'tankhaiya', Badal has maintained political and social distance, in line with expectations of 'tankhah' compliance. Despite repeated petitions, including requests to participate in upcoming bypolls, the Akal Takht has yet to take further steps, resulting in SAD withdrawing from contesting.

The delay, stemming from grievances linked to SAD's prior governance, has led to internal party dissension, with former members apologizing to the Akal Takht earlier in the year. As Badal remains in limbo, the SAD's future engagement in Punjab's political arena remains uncertain.

(With inputs from agencies.)